Living the Dream Each and Every Day

Well hello there you may have noticed our serious lack of blogging lately so please refer to the title. I didn’t think it possible but this trip just keeps getting better. After a stressful day spent at LAX boarding our flight to San Fran (ridiculous security which thankfully we had been warned about, but still got caught out with some items) we found ourselves in a bigger than originally paid for vehicle. We are now in a spacious GMC Yukon. Craig is enjoying driving a V8 and has taken to driving on the opposite side of the road.  Things could be dodgy when we eventually return to Oz.

Now for San Francisco our favourite city so far. We stayed for four nights, spending an extra day just so we could ride around on the Cable Cars (standing up on the outside rails of course). All of us loved the steep hills, amazing architecture, views and buzz of the city. After finding a groovy little hotel right at Fisherman’s Wharf, Craig skillfully maneuvered our Yukon through the switchbacks/hairpin turns of Lombard Street and around the streets of San Francisco. Our second day was spent at Alcatraz with the older three boys totally enthralled by the prison cells and the individual audio tour outlining the toughness of prison life and the many escape attempts. Ben was not so impressed with it all. In his words it was spooky and a bit boring. Luckily the Sea Lions at Pier 39 entertained him as did all the street performers and eccentric people who inhabitant Fisherman’s Wharf. Beggars everywhere, apparently much worse since GFC.

We were all fascinated with the place and spent four very busy days and late nights thoroughly enjoying our time there. As we reluctantly left on Tuesday morning the fog really put on a show particularly as we approached the Golden Gate Bridge. It cleared in time for us to drive across and then reappeared as we looked back from the Northern Side, an incredible sight.

The drive from San Fran north to Napa was very pretty. Craig and I enjoyed the surrounding countryside whilst the boys enjoyed watching a movie on the DVD player that came with the car (an added bonus as they really are doing some serious walking and sightseeing every day). They are still travelling well and for the most part the 6 of us are getting along extremely well. We stopped for a picnic in a park in Yountville (a little township in the Southern part of Napa Valley) and had a much needed game of tiggy and soccer before heading off for more wine tasting. The wineries are beautiful and we have enjoyed the tastings immensely. Craig and I have started a wish list and timeframe for when just the two of us will return. The list is getting quite long so we have warned the boys their inheritance is looking dodgy.

Tuesday night we stayed in St. Helena (Napa Valley) and enjoyed a yummy Mexican dinner. We picked a good night to stay in the township as there was a wine tasting event happening in the main street. Although we arrived late everything was open and the place was buzzing with atmosphere as all the locals were wandering amongst the gorgeous boutique shops wineglasses in hand. Wednesday morning I headed out for a run as it was a very safe, friendly town. It was a great way to see all the beautiful homes, bed and breakfasts and restaurants. As we drove out of town we spotted a spectacular winery. The original home was built in the 1800’s and has been lovingly restored. Several other buildings make up the estate as well as a series of caves which serve as wine storage and aging. It was a beautiful place and as we were leaving one of the employees informed us that it is owned by Fosters. Apparently Australian companies own several of the Napa wineries, nice to know that we Aussies own property in such a gorgeous place. Also visited an Italian Castle winery and watched the local Geyser as we had our picnic lunch and the kids fed the donkeys and goats.

Finally tonight we are in Eureka, Northern California after driving through the Avenue of the Giants (the Giants being massive Redwood trees). The scenery was breathtaking.  A short drive took hours as we stopped to wander the rocky river bed with crystal clear water and gape at the magnificence of the Redwoods as they disappeared into the heavens above the rainforest. Spectacular!

We are staying at the Best Western which is amazing value for the inclusions, with the Wockies taking a complimentary black stretch limo ride to the local Indian Restaurant for a buffet. Kids were wrapped! The boys still insisted on having a swim in the heated pool on our return until we were kicked out. 

Off to sleep now to get ready for our buffet breakfast and what tomorrow brings.

Til Next time.

The Wockies